Guide shows isolated communities how to source clean water

Hauora Hokianga in the Far North has produced a DVD guide to show isolated rural communities how to set up their own supply of clean, safe drinking water.

Marara Rogers-Koroheke from Hauora Hokianga says the community set up its own water pipelines and storage tanks to bring clean water down from the mountains to a marae after floods in 1999 polluted their normal supply.

Ms Rogers-Koroheke says the scheme expanded with the help of Nga Puhi and Te Rawara to provide water to all of the 9000 people in the community.

She says the Government recognised its success by setting up a $50 million programme where funding is provided for clean water projects designed by small rural communities like Hokianga.

National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research freshwater scientist Chris Tanner says the work in Hokianga is inspiring and deserving of wider recognition.